Tag: pure words
Healthy self-examination!
Scripture reading for August 15th: 1st Corinthians 11, Psalm 12, Proverbs 7
1st Corinthians 11: 27-32 “Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world.”
The receiving of the Lord’s supper is to be an intimate time of fellowship with the Lord and healthy self-examination. This sacred meal consists of bread representing the sinless body of Jesus Christ and wine or grape juice representing Christ’s blood shed for our sins. We are to discern through His sacrifice for us our own sins and ask our Lord for mercy and cleansing. Some Corinthians were taking this meal with a frivolous and prideful attitude. This resulted in some falling to sickness and even some dying because of unconfessed sins. God’s desire is for us to judge ourselves so that we do not need God to judge us because of Christ’s sacrifice covering our sins. These are pure Words, given to refine us for His service!
Psalm 12:7-8 “The Words of the Lord are pure Words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times. You, O Lord, will keep them; You will guard us from this generation forever. On every side the wicked prowl, as vileness is exalted among the children of man.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the Lord’s Supper and the opportunity to remember Jesus’ death on the cross for us and the forgiveness of our sins and healing of our bodies. Forgive me when I have taken this supper without a healthy self-examination. Give me fresh insight into Christ’s sacrifice and His current Body, the Church. Help me to forgive others as I have been forgiven and to walk in health.
Proverbs 7:4-5 “Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call insight your intimate friend, to keep you from the forbidden woman, from the adulteress with her smooth words.”
Delighting God through faith!
Scripture reading for January 17th: Mark 12, Psalm 12, Proverbs 12
Mark 12: 38-40 “And in His teaching He said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, who devour widow’s houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”
Jesus taught His disciples to be discerning and watchful. In this world and even among religious folks, pride and love of position often is a trap of the devil to catch men. The Scribes wore religious clothing and symbols of their piety, but stole goods from the widows. They loved seats of honor, and prayed long prayers to show off. But their hearts were far from God and His commandments. God will arise and care for the poor and needy, widows, and orphans. God protects and defends them. He promises safety and deliverance to the righteous. They can count on having joy from their pure hearts and will delight God in their faithfulness. His Word is pure, tried and tested!
Psalm 12:5-6 “”Because the poor are plundered, because the needy groan, I will now arise,” says the Lord; “I will place him in the safety for which he longs.” The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.”
Prayer: Father, thank You for reminding me that You care for the poor, needy, widows, and orphans. Your Word is pure and true for all generations. Help me to walk by faith. Forgive me for the times I have been like those scribes, prideful and self-righteous. Use my lips to declare Your pure Word, warning and calling those lost in this world and deceived in Your church to peace and faithfulness, Your delight and my joy!
Proverbs 12:20-22 “Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy. No ill befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble. Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are His delight.”
The Abundance of the Heart
Scripture reading for January 16th: Matthew 12, Psalm 12, Prov. 12
Key Scriptures: Matthew 12:34-37 “You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
The Pharisees had just condemned Jesus by attributing the healing of the deaf and mute man to the power of Beelzebub, the prince of demons. Jesus called them a “brood of vipers.” He explained that this evil thought came from an evil heart. Every careless and evil word spoken would require accounting on the day when God would judge men. It was a matter of the heart. Evil people need a change of heart!
Faith’s confession: Lord, I recognize You as the source of all good and healing. Thank You for transforming my heart through faith in Jesus Christ, enabling me to speak from a good treasure of Your pure Word.
Psalm 12:6 “The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.”